Product roadmaps: Plasterboard
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September 2009 - An evidence report detailing the environmental impacts of plasterboard has been published. Evidence report September 2009 (PDF 1 MB
As part of our work on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP), we are developing ten product roadmaps to reduce the environmental impacts across the life cycle of a range of priority products. Plasterboard is one of these products.
Why plasterboard?
Evidence shows that, at an EU-25 level, housing – which includes buildings, construction and appliances – accounts for 20-35 percent of all environmental impacts.1
Within this broader category we know that, across its lifecycle, plasterboard can generate significant environmental impacts, for example, waste at the end of life.
The plasterboard sector have already demonstrated commitment to improving the environmental performance of plasterboard. We consider that the positive, collaborative approach the sector have already demonstrated could provide a useful model for others. We will work closely with industry throughout the roadmap process to build on the range of sustainability activities already in place.
Scope of the roadmap
As well as addressing the environmental impacts associated with plasterboard, the roadmap process will enable us to explore plasterboard’s positive impacts and its potential contribution, though its insulation properties and use of recycled materials, to improving the sustainability of buildings.
The Plasterboard Sustainability Partnership (comprising representatives from government departments and industry at all stages of the product lifecycle) has been set up to develop the roadmap.
Production and Consumption Impacts and consumption trends
Plasterboard is increasingly being used as a construction product -around 2 million tonnes of plasterboard is manufactured and sold in the UK each year2.
The main environmental impact associated with plasterboard relates to climate change, due to the energy needed at various stages of plasterboard manufacture, such as in the early stages of calcination and drying of the board. Other impacts include the disposal of plasterboard waste created from its installation and when it is removed from buildings at end-of-life, the latter having an economic impact on those having to dispose of the plasterboard waste. Negative social impacts include the potential health and safety risk resulting from the manual handling of plasterboard sheets during construction.
Further information
1Source: European Commission (2006): Environmental Impact of Products).
2Source: Market Transformation Programme
Page last modified: 24 September 2009